Apparatus for feeding molten glass



May 4, 1937. cs. T. MEYERS APPARATUS FOR FEEDING MOLTEN GLASS Filed May 7, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 6 m e w M N E R V 6 m m m T w A fa a m B m r w \a z m 4 n we n I H 2 E 2 7 Q 6 8 6 v k 2 m B E Z a a Q m w W. W

May 4, 1937. MEYERS 2,079,519

APPARATUS FOR FEEDING MOLTEN GLASS Filed May 7, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 IN V EN TOR. Geo/ye T/Veyers.

ATTORNEYS.

y 3 e. r. MEYERS APPARATUS FOR FEEDING MOLTEN GLASS Filed May 7, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 IN VEN TOR. Geo/ye [Maya/5..

a w W i mmwm/i ATTORNEYS.

y 1937. G. T. MEYERS 2,

APPARATUS FOR FEEDING MOLTEN GLASS Filed May 7, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 1 N V EN TOR. Geo/ye T/Veyers BY m$ ATTORNEYS.

May 1937. a. T. MEYERS APPARATUS FOR FEEDING MOLTEN GLASS Filed May 7, 1936 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 IN V EN TOR. Geoge ZMeyers. M W ATTORNEYS.

Patented May 4, I937 UNlTED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,079,519 APPARATUS FOR FEEDING MOLTEN GLASS George T.'Meyers, Parkersburg, W. Va. Application May '2'; 1936, Serial No. 78,431

1'1 Claims.

My invention relates to apparatus for feeding molten glass. It has to do, more particularly, with apparatus for feeding molten glass from the forehearth of a glass melting furnace to a mold or 5 the like for shaping into the desired article.

A large number of various types of glass feeders have been devised in the past. One type of prior art feeder comprises a spout which is connected to the glass furnace and has an orifice adj acent its outer end through which the glass flows by a gravity force or under the influence of a controlling member such as a plunger or a pneumatic controlling member. As the glass issues through the orifice, it is separated into charges by means of shears, and the charges drop into molds which are disposed a considerabledistance below the spout. One of the great disadvantages of this type of prior art feeder resides in the fact that during the period when a charge issues from the spout orifice and drops into the mold it is afiected by atmospheric conditions. Drafts, temperature conditions, or moisture conditions of the atmosphere produce undesirable effects on the glass charges. The atmospheric conditions may cause bubbles, waves or cords in pressed and blown ware, white streaks or crystallized glass, or variated hot or cold glass, and unequal weights may be caused by temperature. variations. Attempts have been made to prevent atmospheric conditions from affecting the glass during the time it is fed from the spout to the mold. It has been proposed to place the molds directly below the spout so that the glass would issue through the orifice and feed directly into the molds without dropping through any appreciable distance. However, this proposal did not prove satisfactory. It was found that it was necessary for the glass charges to drop through a considerable distance before entering the molds in 40 order that they would drop solidly into the molds.

for making a number of articles of diiferentweights because it has been impossible to vary so-the weights of the glass charges in a predetermined manner during a cycle of operation. It

often happens, especially in a small glass manufacturing plant, where the orders for each size of ware are comparatively small, that it is desirable to, produce several articles of different size, within a limited range, on a single mold table. With prior art glass feeders, it has been impossible to do this without wasting glass. It has been necessary for the glass manufacturer either to produce on a mold table all articles of 5 the same size or to produce articles thereon which vary in size but to use the same amount of glass in each article, thereby wasting a considerable quantity of glass.

One of the objects of my invention is to providea practical apparatus for feeding molten glass from a glass melting furnace to a mold in such a manner that the glass will not be affected in any way by atmospheric conditions.

Another object'of my invention is to provide 15 apparatus for feeding molten glass in the form of charges of predetermined weights which vary in weight in any predetermined manner during one complete cycle of operation or which may all be of a uniform weight.

Another object of my invention is to provide apparatus for feeding molten glass of the type indicated which is simple, practical and eflicient.

Another object of my invention is to provide a glass feeder of the type indicated which is of such a nature that the speed of operations and the character of the gobs or charges produced may be controlled and varied in an effective manner and within a very wide range.

In its preferred form my inventlon contemplates the provision of a glass feeder embodying a spout having an orifice in its outer end through which the glass flows by a gravity force. I provide controlling means for controlling the flow of glass through the orifice. This controlling means may either take the form of vacuum controlling means-or of a plunger. In order to prevent atmospheric conditions from affecting the glass charges or gobs as they pass from the orifice to the mold table, which is disposed a considerable distance below the spout orifice, I provide a tube which is connected to theorifice and which extends to a point directly adjacent the mold table where it will communicate with successive molds moved into position to receive the glass charges. The glass will flow from the spout through the orifice and will be sheared by means of novel shears which I have provided and will thus be separated into charges or gobs. Each gob will drop through the tube until it reaches the mold. Thus, it will not be affected by atmospheric conditions during its passage from the spout orifice to the mold.

,In orderto obtain glass charges of predetermined weights which vary in weight in a predetermined manner during one complete cycle of operation I provide mechanism for controlling the means that controls the issuance of glass from the spout discharge orifice. This mechanism may be set so that the amount of glass issuing from the discharge orifice of the spout will vary during successive intervals in order that the weight of the glass charges produced will vary in a predetermined manner. However, this means maybe adjusted in such a manner that the glass charges obtained will all be of a uniform weight.

The preferred embodiment of my invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein similar characters of reference designate corresponding parts and wherein:

Figure 1 is a view partly in section and partly in side elevation illustrating a glass feeder made in accordance with the principles of my invention, the glass feeder having a vacuum control for controlling the issuance of glass from the spout.

Figures 2 to 11, inclusive, are diagrammatic views illustrating successive steps in the operation of my glass feeder.

Figure 12 is a vertical section taken through a timer used to control the operation of the glass feeder illustrated in Figure l.

' Figure 13 is a plan view of the timer illustrated in Figure 12.

Figure 14 is a perspective view of the mechanism which I preferably employ for controlling the weight of the gobs of glass obtained by operation of the feeder illustrated in Figure l.

Figure 15 is a vertical section taken through the structure illustrated in Figure 14 substantially on line l-i5.

Figure 16 is a perspective view of the shears which I preferably employ with my glass feeder showing the parts thereof in disassembled relation.

Figure 17 is a-plan view, partly broken away, of the shear structure illustrated in Figure 16.

Figure 18 is a section taken through the shear structure illustrated in Figure 17.

Figure 19 is a horizontal section taken through a modified form of shears.

Figure 20 is a side elevation of a feeder which is practically the same as that illustrated in Figure 1 with the exception that a plunger is provided for controlling the flow of glass through the spout orifice instead of the vacuum control provided in the feeder illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 21 is a section taken substantially along line Zl 2l of Figure 20.

With reference to the drawings and particularly to Figure 1, I illustrate my glass feeder as comprising a spout I which may be of any usual construction. The spout I has a glass discharge orifice 2 in the \bottom thereof having a removable bushing3 disposed therein. A second removable bushing A is disposed below the bushing 3 and may beremoved and replaced with a bushing of different size depending upon the'size of the glass charge or gob desired.

Means form-eventing glass charges from being afiected by atmospheric conditions provide a tube 7. This tube extends from a point at the orifice where it is connected to the spout to a point directly adjacent the mold 6. The mold charges are adapted to drop through this tube i into the molds. The tube 1 is hingedly supported on a member 8 as at 9. The member 8 is hingedly supported beneath the spout as at 9a. This member 8 is adapted to embrace the bottom of the spout i as indicated. It is held in the position indicated in Figure 1- by means of an adjustable latch member l0 which will normally firmly clamp it in position but which may be adjusted to permit downward swinging of the member 8. The member 8 is provided with a water jacket H adjacent the orifice 2 to prevent overheating thereof. The tube 1 is held in operative position on member 8 by an adjustable latch lfla like latch l0. v

I' provide shears, for shearing the stream of glass, issuing from the orifice 2, at proper intervals to form thegobs or mold charges. These shears 42 are in the form of a compact unit which is located in a socket it formed in the member 8 directly below the bushing structure. These shears will be firmly clamped in position when the tube 7 is in operative position. The particular structure of these shears is important for several the piston rod from the piston when it is desirable to swing the member 8 downwardly away from operative position, for example, to change the bushings.

At a substantial distance below the orifice 2 I provide a gate ill in the tube '8. This gate is slidably mounted and is adjustable between the position indicated in Figure 1 Where it closes passageway la in tube 7, at the point where the gate is located, and a position within a chamber it where it will permit passage of the gob through the passageway la. The gate l? is automatically moved between the two positions by means of a piston rod is connected to a piston 20 which reciprocates in a cylinder 2!. A coupling 22 is interposed in piston rod l9 to permit disconnection .of the piston rod from the piston when it is desired to swing the member ii or the tube 1 carried thereby into inoperative position. The gate I7 is provided with' an air pressure or exhaust passageway 23. This passageway 23 is provided so that air may be applied in the chamber within the tube 1 above the gate l1 when it is in the position indicated in Figure 1 or be withdrawn therefrom when desired.

Adjacent the extreme lower end of the tube I I provide a second gate 24 which is practically identical with the gate I! with the exception that it does not have a duct similar to the duct 23. This gate 2 3 is operated by means of a piston rod 25 connected to a piston 26 disposed in a cylinder 21. A coupling 28 is interposed in the piston rod 25 to permit disconnection of the piston rod 25 from the piston 26 when the tube '8 is adapted to be swung into inoperative position. A window lb of suitable transparent material is provided between the gates I! and 24 so that the gobs dropping through the tube 1 may be observed at this point.

It will be apparent from the above that the gobs of glass will pass from the spout to the mold without being affected by the atmospheric conditions. The gates I! and 24 are so operated with relation to each other that when the gate I1 is open, the gate 24 will be closed and when the gate 24 is open the gate will be closed. This insures that there will be no danger of drafts passing up through the tube and affecting the glass being dischargedthrough the orifice 2. The tube is of such a diameter that during the passage of the gobs therethrough, they will not contact with the walls thereof, as indicated in Figures 2 to 11. However, the tube 1 preferably converges towards its lower end as indicated. Thus, the gobs of glass Shear structure ,I will now describe the particular shear structhe member 29.

ture which I preferably employ and which I previously designated generally by the reference character l2. This shear structure is illustrated best in Figures 16, 1'7, and 18. Because of the location of the shear structure, indicated in Figure' 1, it is necessary that it be very compact. Also, because it is within the structure 8 that carries the tube it is important that it can be operated from a point outside the member ,8

withouthaving any large openings or slots for the operating connections which might permit drafts to pass within the member 8 and the tube 7. My shear structure is operable by a single rod M which extends through a small opening in the wall of member 8.

The shear structure [3 comprises a main disklike supporting member 29 having an upstanding peripheral flange 30. 'This flange 30 has its inner surface threaded as at 3|. ly opposed points the flange 30 iscut away as at 32 and at the bottorrrof these cutaway portions 32 guideways 33 are provided for reciprocablelshear blades 34. A pair of these shear blades 34 is provided and the inner ends of the blades overlap, as indicated at 35, at certain periods. The

inner edge or cutting edge of each blade has a I and also the top shear blade 34, both of these members being at the same level.

The annular member 40 is disposed within the flange 30 and above the blades 34- and is rotatable within the flange. This member 40 is provided with a central aperture 4| to permit pas,- sage of the stream of glass therethrough. It is further provided with a pair of slots 42. Each slot 42 receives a pin 43 mounted on one of the blades 34. The arrangement of the slots 42 is indicated best in Figure 17. From'this figure it will be apparent that when the member 40 is rotated, the slots 42 will cooperate with the pins 43 to move the blades 34 inwardly and relative to each other, as indicated by the arrows in this figure. This is due to the fact that the slots are arranged chordal to the annular edge of member 40 and parallel with each other, as indicated, and when member 40 is rotated the pins- At diametricalwhich is quite similar to the member 40.

it is the same as member 40 with the exception 43 will be moved towards the center of member 40, and, consequently, the blades 34 will be moved inwardly. Thus, they will cut through the stream of glass passing through the aperture 31.

The member 40 is provided with gear teeth 44 along its periphery. These gear teeth 44 are adapted to mesh with a rack 45 which is disposed substantially tangential to the member 40. The rack 45 is formed on the outer end of the piston rod l4. It is slidably mounted in slots 46 formed in the flange 30 of member '29 at points directly opposite each other. A cap member 41 is provided with threads 48 on its periphery which cooperate with the threaded inner surface 3| of'flange 30. This cap member 41 is adapted to be screwed into position within flange 3| so as to hold the member 40, and, consequently, the blade members 34 in position on This cap member is provided with a centrally disposed aperture 49 to permit passage of the stream of glass therethrough. The entire shear structure fits within an annular water-jacket member 50, as illustrated in Figure 18, which serves to prevent overheating of the shear structure. The shear structure, including the water-jacket, is removably held in position merely by adjustable ears l3a, secured to the spout, which cooperate "with lugs l3 formed on member 50.

It will be noted that the shear structure is operated by a single member, viz., the rod l4, which extends through the wall of member 8. Since only a single small opening is required for the shear operating mechanism, there will be no danger of drafts reaching the inner portions of member 8 and tube 1. It willalso be noted that this shear structure is very compact and, consequently, can be located within the limited space provided in the socket- |3 disposed within member8. It will also be noted that since the shear blades have V-shaped cutting edges and since they move through the glass from diametrically opposite points, they will tend to centralize the gobs of glass within the passageway lo of the tube I, rather than deflect it to one side,

which will prevent the gobs from contacting with the walls of the tube.

InFigure 19 I illustrate a slightly different form of shear structure. The shear structure is operated by means of the piston rod 4 and rack 45 as before. The rack 45 meshes with gear teeth formed on the periphery of a member 4011 In fact.

that it is provided with four slots 42 instead of two. These slots cooperate with pins 43, one of which ismounted on the upper surface of each of four shear blades 34a which are provided. Each shear blade 34a has oneend pivoted as at 5| to a member 29a which is practically the same as member29. The shear blades 34a are of substantially arcuate form, as indicated, and have cutting edges 34b on their inner edge adjacent their free ends. The slots 42 and pins 43 are so arranged that when the member 40a is rotated all of the blades 34a will be swung inwardly simultaneously towards the center of the member 2911.. Consequently, the blades will cut through the stream of glass passing through the shear structure.

It will be noted that this shear structure is also very compact and is operated in the same manner as the other shear structure. Furthermore, it will'be noted that because of the arrangement Means for controlling issuance of glass spout orifice As indicated in Figure 1, the means for controlthrough ling the issuance of the glass from the spout is vacuum controlled. This means comprises a tubular member 52 of refractory material which has a bell-shaped lower end 53. The upper end 'of the member 52 is connected to a metal tube 54 which is threaded to receive a collar 55 that rests against a boss formed on the upper surface of a support 56. The collar 55 has a sprocket 51 formed integrally therewith which may== be rotated by a shaft 58 mounted on the support 56 and which is connected to the sprocket 51 by means of a sprocket chain 58 and a sprocket 88 keyed on the upper end of shaft 58. A hand wheel 6| is provided for rotating the shaft 58. Thus, by rotating the hand wheel 8! the position of the member 52 relative to the orifice 2 may be adjusted. It may be adjusted towards or away from the orifice depending upon the viscosity of the glass and the size of the charges it is desired to obtain.

The member 58 is connected by means of a flexible conduit 82 to a pipe 88 threaded into the upper endof a diaphragm housing 88 as at 85. The diaphragm housing 66 embodies a cap member 56 and a main cylindrical housing portion 8?. The peripheral edge of a flexible diaphragm 88 is disposed between the cap 88 and the upper edge of the housing 87. The' cap 88 is secured in position by means of screw bolts 88 and, consequently, the edge of the diaphragm 58 will be firmly clamped between member 88 and the upper edge of member 57. The cap 85 is substantially bell-shaped. .A fluid-tight chamber is formed between the diaphragm and the cap 55 but this chamber is in communication with the tubular member 52, the lower end of which is always immersed in the molten glass in the spout l. The chamber below the diaphragm 88 in the main portion 61 of the housing is in communication with the atmosphere by means of a vent it. When the diaphragm 88 is in its uppermost position it always positively seats itself against the cap 88, as indicated in Figure 1. The diaphragm housing 88 is supported on a support 7!.

The means for operating the diaphragm 58 comprises a piston rod I2 which is slidable in an opening '13 in the bottom of the portion 81 of the housing and which has its upper end connected as at 78 to a central point of the diaphragm 88. This piston rod 12 has its lower end connected to a piston which reciprocates in a cylinder Hi. The cylinder 78 is vertically adjustable on the support 1 I.

It will be apparent that if the piston 15 is moved to the opposite end of the cylinder from that where it is located in Figure 1, the piston rod 12 will be drawn downwardly. This will cause the diaphragm 88 to be flexed downwardly thereby creating vacuum in the member 52 which would flexing the diaphragm 88 upwardly and posi- 1 t'ively seating it against the cap 88 and thus eliminating the vacuum force in the member 52 and creating positive air pressure in member 52 which aids in expelling the glass through the orifice 2.

In order to vary the vacuum force produced in the member 52 by means of the diaphragm 88,

I provide means for positively limiting the lowermost position of the diaphragm. This means is of such a nature that it may be adjusted so that during one complete cycle of operation gobs may be obtained which vary in weight in a predetermined manner or it may be adjusted so that all the gobs will be of uniform predetermined weight. This means is illustrated best in Figures 1, 14, and 15.

It comprises .a cylindrical extension I! depending from the cylinder I8 and connected thereto in such a manner that it will not rotate. This extension 11 has a tubular member Ila rotatably mounted thereon which carries an integral disk 18 on the lower end thereof. This disk is of considerably greater diameter than the tubular member Tia. The disk 18 is provided at circumferentially spaced intervals with a number of stop members '88. These stop members 58 take theform of bolts which are threaded upwardly through the disk '18 and project upwardly therefrom. The stops 38 may be adjusted so that they project throughthe disk to any desired extent merely by rotating them and they may be locked in position by means of lock nuts 88. On the peripheral edge of the disk 58 a plurality of circumferentially spaced rollers 81 are mounted.

The piston 75 has a pair of rods 82 extending downwardly through the lower end of the cylinder i8. The-lower ends .of these rods are connected to the outer ends of the arms of a bifurcated structure 88 which straddles the member lm. One of the arms of the bifurcated structure adjacent its outer end is provided with a stop 88 which is adapted to contact with the upper end of any of the stops E8. The member 88 is connected to a vertically disposed plate 85, as indicated best in Figure 14, which is of arcuate cross-section. This member 85 always extends downwardly past the disk 78 and is disposed closely adjacent the periphery thereof. On the inner surface of the member 85 adjacent its lower end a cam member 88 is disposed and this cam member has an inclined cam surface 81. At a higher point on the member 85 a second cam member 88 is disposed and has an inclined cam surface 88. The cam members 88 and 88 are spaced laterally of each other and the cam surface 81 is inclined in adirection opposite to the direction of inclination of the'cam surface 85.

It will be apparent that this structure will serve to limit the lowermost position of diaphragm 88. When the piston moves downwardly and moves the diaphragm 68 downwardly, the member also moves downwardly. During downward movement of the member 85, the cam surface 88 of cam 88 will contact with one of the rollers 8i. Thiswill cause rotation of the disk 18 relative to the extension 11 through one step. The amount of rotation is such that the stop 84 carried by the member 83 will contact the upper end of one of the stops 79. This will interrupt downward movement of the piston 75 and associated parts and, consequently, will interrupt downward movement of the diaphragm 88. Consequently, this will limit the amount of vacuum produced by the diaphragm. After the roller passes ofi the cam surface 89, it will rest against the vertically disposed edge of the cam Upon upward movement of the piston I-and the member 85, the cam surface-,8! of cam 86 will contact with the roller 8|, adjacent the one with which the cam 88 contacted as described. This will cause the disk 18 to be rotated in the same direction through another step. After the roller passes off the cam surface 81, it will rest against the vertically disposed edge of the cam 86 and reverse rotation will be prevented. When the member 85 moves downwardly again, the cam 88 will contact with the next rollerbehind that with which the' cam 86 contacts. Thus, during upward movement of member 85 the disk I8 is rotated one step and during down-. ward movement of member 85 the disk is rotated another step. The stops I9 are equal in, number to the rollers 8|, and the rollers 8| are arranged midway between the stops. 86 and 88 are so arranged that upon upward movement of member 85 the disk 18 is rotated a distance equal to one-half the distance between two adjacent stops I9'and upon downward movement the disk I8 is rotated an equal distance. This insures that the stop 84 will always contact with the successive stops I9.

It will'be apparent that the stops I9 may be verticallyadjusted so that they will extend through the disk I8 to the proper extents. If it is desired to obtain gobs which are all oi uniform weight, all the stops I9 should be ad usted so that they all extend through the disk I8 the same distance. The weight of the gobs will depend upon the extent to which the stops I9. project through disk I8. However, by adjusting the stops I9 difie ently so that they extend through the disk v ying distances, gobs of various weights 'but of predetermined weights may be obtained. In other words, with this structure it is possible to obtain in one complete cycle of operation gobs of a uniform and predetermined weight orgobs of various weights but of predetermined .weights. I

I provide means for adjusting the piston 15.

and the cylinder I6 relative to each other in order to make substantial adjustments in the stroke of the piston. This meana is illustrated best in Figure 1. The cylinder I6 is carried by a member 90 which is mounted for vertical movement on a portion of the support II. This member 90 has a sleeve 9011 with which a screw 9i cooperates. This screw 9| is rotatably mounted on the support II and is adapted to be rotated by means of a handwheel 9Ia. It will be apparent that if the handwheel Illa. is

' rotated, the cylinder I6 will be adjusted relative to the piston I5. This' adjusting mechanism may be employed to properly position the cy "set as to limit the uppermost position of the pis ton I5. However, this mech nis'm is preferably so adjusted that the diap agm 68 will always seat on the cap 66, as indicated in this figure.

I also provide indicating means for indicating the position of the piston I5 in the cylinder I8.- This means is also illustrated in Figure 1.

It comprises a screw 92 which is rotatably mounted on the support II and may be rotated by means The cams of handwheel 92a. This screw is adapted to move a pointer 93 which is mounted for vertical movement on the support II.- The pointer 93 is adapted to cooperate with a calibrated member 94 carried by the piston rod I2. The pointer 93 is vertically adjustable so that it may be set on the zero mark of the calibrations after the position of the piston 15 in the cylinder I6 is adjusted. Then the extent of downward movement of the piston, which is determined by the various stops I9, may be readily determined by observing the position of the pointer 93 relative to the call brated member 94. I

In Figure 20 I illustrate modified means for controlling the flow of glass through the discharge orifice 2 of the spout I. In this instance instead of using a vacuum controlled means for controlling the discharge of glass through the orifice, I provide a plunger. However, in all other respects, the feeder is practically the same.

In this figure I show a plunger 52a of refractory material which projects into the glass in the spout I and whose lower end is disposed directly above the discharge orifice. This plunger 52a is made of refractory material and is removably carried by a screw I03. The screw I03 is vertically adjustable on a link I04 which is pivotally carried as at I05 by a lever I06. Thus, the plunger 52a may be adjusted relative to the orifice 2 and secured in adjusted position. The lever I06 has one end pivoted to a vertical support I01 as at I08. The upper end of the link I04 is pivotally connected to a link I09 which is pivotally connected to the upper end of the support I 01 as at IIO. Itwill be apparent that thelinks I04 and I09 tend to keep the plunger in 'substantially vertical positign. The lever, I06 is of considerable length and its free end is connected by pin-and-slot connection III to the upper end of a piston rod 12a. This piston rod corresponds to the piston rod I2 of Figure 1 and is connected to a piston operating in a cylinder I6 exactly the same as that illustrated in Figure l. The means for predetermining the weight of the gobs is exactly the same as the structure disclosed in Figure 1 with the exception that it is'located above the cylinder I6 instead of below it. Thus, the stops I9 will cooperate with the stop 84 to limit the uppermost position of the plunger 52a.

It will be apparent that when the piston in cylinder I6 moves upwardly and moves piston rod 12a upwardly, the lever I05 will pivot about the point I 08 and the plunger 520, will be moved upwardly. This will draw the glass upwardly from the orifice 2 The extent of this upward movement is governed, as stated before, by the stops I9 and 84L The plunger 52a will be moved downwardly upon downward movement of the piston and cylinder 16 and, consequently, will force a predetermined amount of glass through the discharge orifice. The amount ,of glass forced through the discharge orifice will depend upon the extent to which the lower end of the plunger 52a is raised on the upward stroke, which is determined by the setting of the stops I9. Ifthe stops I9 are set difierently, gobs of diflerent weights will be obtained.

The lowermost position of the plunger' 52a. will be determined by the adjustment of the screw I03 and by a stop formed on the inner end' of a screw 95 which is threaded into the lower end of the cylinder I8. Thus the stops I9 limit the uppermost position of the plunger 52a and the stop on'screw 95 limits the lowermost position of the plunger 52a. 1 provide identical mechanism as I openings. munication with the exhaust opening l2I- and is that illustrated in Figure l, operated by means of screw SI, for adjusting cylinder I6 relative to the piston I5. I also provide indicating mechanism 93-9,'exactly the same as that illustrated in Figure l, for indicating the position of piston I5 in the cylinder I6 of this structure.

/ Air-operated control system The airoperated control system for controlling operation of the various units of ,the feeder is illustrated in Figure 1. The air-operated system for controlling the plunger-type feeder is exactly the same as that illustrated in Figure 1 for controlling the vacuum-type feeder.

It will be noted from Figure 1 that I provide a valve I5a for controlling the cylinder I5 that operates the shears I2, a valve 2 la for controlling the cylinder 2I that operates the gat 23, a valve 21a for controlling the cylinder 21 t "at operates the gate 25, and valve 16a for controlling the cylinder I6 that operates the vacuum control or the plunger control for controlling the feeding ofthe glass through the discharge orifice. All of these valves are of identical construction.

The'valve 21a is illustrated in detail and a description of this velve'will serve for all the valves of this kind. This valve comprises a cylindrical housing I I2 in which a piston H3 is adapted to reciprocate. Adjustable stops II I are provided in the ends of the cylinder M2 to limit reciprocation of the piston H3. The piston H3 has a substantially U-shaped passageway II 5 therein and a second passageway 6 formed therein. An opening III is provided at one end of the cylinder and an opening H8 is provided at the other end of the cylinder. These openings II I and H8 are located at the extreme ends of cylinder H2 so that they will never be covered by the piston H3. The cylinder is provided at its top with an opening II 9 and a similar opening I26 and an exhaust opening I2 I located between these The passageway I I6 is always in comalso alternately in communication with the openings II 9-and I20. The passageway H5 is always in communication with a main air line opening I22 and alternately with the openings II 9 and The opening I22 is connected to a main air line I23. The opening II I is connected by means of a line I24 to a timer I25. The opening H8 is connected to the timer I25 by 'a line I26. The opening "H9 is connected by a line I27 to one end of the cylinder 21 and the opening I20 is connected to the opposite end of. the cylinder by a line I28. Similar lines are provided for con-= necting the valveslfm, 2Ia, and 76a, to their respective cylinders and to a timer I25. As will be noted, I provide twoof the timers I25. Interposed in the line I21 connecting one end of cylinder H2 tothe cylinder 21 is a valve 21b and interposed in the line I28 connecting the other end of the cylinder II2 to the cylinder 21 is a valve 210. These valves are the same. In the lines connecting the ends of valve Mo to cylinder 2| .1 provide valves 2| b and 2Ic, in the lines connecting the ends of valve I5a to cylinder I5 I provide valves I51] and I50, and in the lines connecting the valve 16a to cylinder I6 I provide valves 76b and 160, all of which are of identical construction.

The valve 21b is illustrated in detail. It comprises ,a housing having a passageway I2'Ia and a passageway I2Ib to which line I2! is connected. A duct I29 controlled by an adjustable .forcing the piston 26 to the left.

passage of air through passage I2Ib.

When air is admitted to,the line I24 by the timer I 25, in a manner to be described, it will fiow into the valve 21a forcing the piston H3 into the position indicated in Figure l. permit'the main air from the line I23 to flow This will through the opening I22, through passageway H5 in the piston, through line I21, through passage way I2Ia in valve 2'Ib, past the ball seat valve I32 and the needle valve I30, through pasageway I21!) and through line I21 into the left hand end of cylinder 21 to force the piston 26 to the right, as indicated in Figure l. The air from the opposite side of the piston 26 will exhaust from cylinder 21 through line I28 and through valve 210 which is exactly the same as the valve 21b. During passage of the exhaust air through valve 210, the ball valve thereof is seated by gravity and the exhaust air must pass the needle valve which corresponds to the needle valve I30 on valve 211). Thus, this needle valve may be adjusted to produce a cushioning effect which will prevent too rapid movement of the piston 26. After the exhaust airleaves the valve- 210 it again flows through line I28, thro gh opening I20 in valve 21a, through passage y I I6 in piston H3, and through the vent I2I to the atmosphere. In this manner the gate 26 is opened.

When air is permitted to flow through lin I26 by the timer I 25, it will force the piston I I3 to the opposite end of the cylinder II 2. This will permit the air from the main line I23 to flow through passageway H5, opening I20, line I28,-valve 210, line I28, into the right hand end of cylinder 21 The air from the left hand end of the cylinder'will exhaust through line I 21, passage I2Ib in' valve 21b, past the needle valve I 30, through passageway I2Ia, through line 21, through opening H3, through passageway H6 in piston I I3 and then to the atmosphere through vent I2I. Thus, the gate 24 will be closed. It will be apparent that the speed of operation of the gate 24 may be controlledlby setting the needle valve I 30 of valve 21b and the corresponding needle valve of the valve 210.

The valves 2Ia, 2), and 2Ic control cylinder 2I in exactly the same manner. The valves I5a, I5b, and I50 control cylinder I5 in exactly the same manner. The valves 16a, 16b, and 160 control cylinder IS in exactly the same manner.

Additional means for controlling is su'ance of glass through spout orifice Besides theair control mechanism previously described, I provide air controlled mechanism for withdrawing air from the passageway Ia above/" This mechanism comprises a cylinder I69 having a piston I59 operating therein. This piston 159 is connecteddiy a piston rod I29 to a diaphragm 689 which is disposed in a housing 649.

This diaphragm structure is exactly the same as through the line and reaching the glass in the spout orifice. The valve 98 is connected to the passageway 23 in the gate II by means of a line v, I99. The valve 98 has a main inlet 98a and a main exhaust 6pening 9812. It has a double piston 98c disposed for reciprocation therein.

The line 639 is normally in comm nication .with the line I 99 which is connected t the passageway Ia above the gate 23. Consequently, when the diaphragm 689 is flexed, vacuum will be produced in the space above the gate I! or positive air pressure will be supplied in' the space depending upon whether the diaphragm is flexed upwardly or downwardly. Flexing of the diaphragm is controlled by the piston I59 in exactly the same manner that the piston I5 controls flexing of the diaphragm 68. r When'the piston 159 moves downwardly, the diaphragm 689 will be moved downwardly andvacuum will be created in the: passageway Ia above the gate II. On the other hand, when the piston I59 moves upwardly, positive air pressure will be supplied in the passageway Ia above the gate I1. Upward movement of the piston 159 will be limited by seating of the diaphragm 689 against the cap on the diaphragm housing. Downward movement of the piston I59 will be limited by an adjustable stop I9I provided in the lower end of the cylinder I69.

Movement of the piston I59 in the cylinder I69 is controlled inexac-tly the same manner that movement of piston I5 in cylinder I6 is controlled. Thus, a valve 169a exactly the same as valve 21a, and valves I69?) and I690 exactly the same as valve 215, are provided for controlling the piston I59. The valve 1690 is connected to one of the timers I25 in exactly the same manner that the valve 211; is connected thereto. A line I38 leads from one of the timers I25 to one end of the valve 98 and a line I35 leads from the timer to the opposite end of the valve 98. The line I34 is controlled by a manually .operable valve I34a and the line I35 is controlled by a manually operable valve l35a.

It will be apparent that when the piston 980 is in the position in the valve 98 indicated in Figure l, the line I99 will be connected to the line 4 639. Consequently, when the diaphragm 689 is moved downwardly by downward movement of piston I69 a vacuum force will be created in the space above the gate IT in passageway Ia. This force willtend to draw the glass through thespout orifice; When the diaphragm is moved upwardly byupw'ard movement of the piston I59, air will be forced upwardly from the diaphragm housing through line 639, through'valve 98, and through the line I99 into the space in passageway Ia above the gate N. This positive air pressure will tend to force the glass upwardly within 70 the spout orifice. To prevent chilling of the glass in the orifice, this airwill be heatedbefore it reaches the glass by means of the heater 91. Furthermore, any foreign matter in the air will be precluded from reaching the glass in the orifice by the screen 99'. Movement of the piston I59 line 639 and line is controlled by the timer I25 and the valves 169a, 169b, and I690. Thus, I provide means for gradually applying a vacuum force below the glass issuing from the spout orifice in order to aid in issuance of the glass from the orifice or for gradually applying a positive 'air pressure which tends to cause the flow of glass'through the orifice to be retarded and aids in gradually forcing the glass back within the orifice. Furthermore, it will be apparent that this means may be timed 10 so that it will effectively cooperate with the means for controlling the flow of the glass from the spout orifice which I previously described and which includes the diaphragm 68.

The line I35 leading to the valve 98 from the 15 timer I25 is controlled by the manually-operable valve I350. and the line I 34 leading to the valve L 98 from the timer is controlled by the manually operable valve I34a. The timer operates to per- .mit a pufi of air, at the proper time, to flow 9 through the line I35 into the valve 98 forcing the piston 980 to the position indicated in Figure 1. This establishes communicationv between I99. Consequently, the diaphragm 689 when actuated by the piston I59 53 will gradually withdraw the air from the space in the tube I above gate II, upon downward movement of the diaphragm, while upon upward movement of the diaphragm, air pressure will be gradually applied to said space.

However, the timer may be so arranged that at the proper instant, a pull of air will pass through the line I34 into the lower end of the, cylinder 98 forcing the piston 98c upwardly. This will render the means for creating vacuum or air pressure in said space above gate II ineffective. Upon upward move out of the diaphragm 689, the air will flow through the line 639, through the opening 98a, through the space around the piston 98c and out through the vent 98b. Likewise, upon downward movement of the diaphragm 689 the vacuum force will be inefiective since the line I99 is disconnected from the line 639, the line 639 being, in communication with the atmosphere through the opening 980,, the 43 space around piston 98c and the vent 98b. The valve 98 is provided with very small vents 9811 at each end which permit the movements of the piston 980. However, these vents are very small in comparison with the inlet from the line I 35 to the valve 98 and the inlet from the line I34 in order that when pressure is applied to one side of the piston an insufiicient amount of air will exhaust through the opening 98d, at the corresponding .side of the piston, to preclude move- 55 ment of the piston. However, a sufiicient amount of air will exhaust through the opening 98d on the opposite-side of the piston to permit movement of the piston. The operation of valve 98 may be timed'in any desired manner relative to (39 be effective to produce both vacuum and air pressure in said space. Or, for exampie, it may be 1 timed relative to operation of the diaphragm 689, so that the diaphragm will be efiective only to v produce one or the other of the forces in said space.

If it is desired that the diaphragm 689 iunc- 7 tion alternately at regular intervals to produce vacuum and air pressure in said space, the valve 93 may be rendered inoperative.

' the manually operative valves I35a and I3 Ia may be operated to move the piston 980 into the position indicated in Figure l and then both may be closed so that the timer will have no effect on the valve 98. Then every time the diaphragm 683 moves upwardly, positive air pressure will be supplied in'the space above gate I! and every time the diaphragm moves downwardly, air will be withdrawn from said space. 0n the other hand, the valves I35! and I34a may be manipulated to position the piston 980 at the opposite end of the valve from that illustrated in Figure 1 and then both may be. closed so that the timer will have no effect on the valve. Then when the diaphragni"680 moves downwardly it will have no effect in producing vacuum in said space since the line 630 will be in communication with the atmosphere through opening 38a, the space around piston 98c, and the opening 981). Likewise, when the diaphragm 630 moves upwardly, pressure will not be supplied to said space because the air will flow through line 630, opening 98a, around the piston 98c and through the opening 98b to the atmosphere.

Thus, it will be apparent that any desired conditions of vacuum or air pressure may be created in the space in the passageway Ia above the gate IT. The vacuum force will aid in extruding the glass through the orifice while the air pressure will aid in forcing it back within the orifice. Furthermore, this vacuum and pressure creating means may be timed relative to the means for creating vacuum or pressure above the glass in the orifice. In other words, I have provided effective means for controlling flow of glass through the orifice which may be adjusted to meet varying conditionaof the viscosity of. the glass means, including diaphragm 683, just described may be employed with the vacuum control, em-

' bodying diaphragm 68, or may be employed with the plunger control illustrated in Figure 20, However, it will be apparent that the diaphragm 63 and associated parts illustrated irLFtlgure 1 or the plunger control illustrated in Figure will be the main control means for controlling fiow of glass from the spout.

One of the-timers I is illustrated in detail in Figures 12 and 13. It embodies a main casting I31 supported by a standard I3'Iw. On the upper end of this casting I37 a disk member I33 is rotatably mounted on an upstanding pin I39. Apinion I40 is attached to the hub I381; of disk I38. This disk carries a valve tripping member I4I which embodies a vertically adjustable bolt.

Member MI is mounted in an arcuate slot I42 formed in the disk I38 and is adjustable along said slot and may be secured in adjusted position. This member MI is adapted to trip, at proper intervals, a plurality of poppet valves I43 disposed at circumferentially spaced locations in the casting I31.

Each poppet valve is mounted in a socket I44 formed in the member I31. Each valve embodies a stem I45 having a reduced portion adjacent its upper end which forms a passageway I46 which is always in communication with an opening 'I4'I in which is inserted the end of one of the air lines leading from the timer. The stem is enlarged at its upper end as at I48 to prevent escape of air at this point and this portion projects upwardly from the member I31 and is adapted to For example,

in the spout. The vacuum and pressure creating feeder.

contact with the tripping member I. The stem has a bevelled valve surface I49 which normally seats on a valve seat formed in the socket I44. The valve is held on its seat by means of a compression spring I50 which bears against a cup I5I on the lower endof the valve stem. This cup is provided with small openings I52 to permit air to pass thereby. The lower end of the socket or chamber I44 is connected to the main air line I23. will be apparent that normally the air from the main air line I23 will not fiow past the member I49 which is normally seated on a valve seat. However, when the member I38 rotates to such an extent that the tripper I4I contacts with the upper end of the poppet valve, the valve will be un-' seated, as. indicated in Figure 12. This will permit the air from the main air line to flow through 'the chamber I44 past'the member I49 through passageway I46 and through opening I41 into the line to which it is connected. The poppet valve, however, will only be open for an instant so that only a puff of air will fiow into the line which is connected to the member to be operated.

I provide another line I36 which leads from one of the timers I25 to the line 630 to which it 25 is connected at a point directly above the diaphragm housing 340. This line has an oil container I36a which permits-a small amount of oil or other hydrocarbon fuel to drop into the line I36. Since the line I36 is connected to one of the timers I25, at selected intervals a puff of air will be permitted to fiow through this line. This will carry the oil into the line 830. It will pass through the heater 9'! which will cause free carbon to be forced from the oil. When this 'air carrying the carbon finally reaches the space in the passageway Ia above gate II, it will contact with the glass being extruded through the orifice and will form a film of carbon on the outer surface of the glass. This film of free carbon will serve as a lubricant to aid in eliminating or reducing to a minimum mold marks or other marks produced in working theglass. If the oil is not carbonized ,by heater 3? it will be carbonized when it reaches the space above the gate I1. 5 As previously stated, I provide two of the timers I25. However, any desired or required number may be employed. They are both rotated simultaneously at the same speed by, means of a pinion I53 which meshes with the pinions I40, as indicated in Figure 1. One-timer operates the cylinders I5, 2|, and 21, but also controls passage of air through line I36, and is therefore provided with seven poppet valves. The other timer operates cylinders 73 and I and valve 98 and is 55 therefore provided with six poppet valves. The timers are so. adjusted that the various units will operate at the proper time. I provide two timers I25 because it is necessary for certain units to function simultaneously and better timing of the various units can beobtained with two or more timers.

The operation I will now describe the operation of the entire 6 This description will apply both to the vacuum-controlled feeder illustrated in Figure 1 and to theplunger-controlled feeder illustrated in Figure 20. Figures 2 to 11, inclusive, illustrate various steps in the feeding of the glass 7 to the mold. The vacuum member 52 or the plunger 52a is properly adjusted vertically relative to the orifice depending upon .the viscosity condition of the glass and the size of the gobs to be obtained. The stops I9 are adjusted in such 75 a manner that the gobs produced will be of a predetermined uniform weight or the weight of the gobs will vary in a predetermined manner. The timing mechanism is properly adjusted so that operation of the various units will occur at the proper instants. The feeder is then ready for I operation.

With reference to Figure 2 it will be seen that the glass in the orifice 2 is beginning to flow downwardly from the orifice. At this time the vacuum in tube 52 is effective or the plunger is raised. The shears l2 are open and the gates l1 and 24 are closed.

As illustrated in Figure 3, the glass in the orifice has issued from the orifice a greater extent. The shears are still open and the vacuum is still efiective or the plunger is raised. Gates l1 and 24 are still closed. By means of passageway 23, fluid pressure is being administered gradually or extracted gradually whichever the glass. conditions require to keep the gob in a solid formation. 7

In Figure 4 the gob is becoming larger and the glass has issued to a greater extent from the orifice. The vacuum force is about to be released or the plunger is about to be started on the downward stroke. The shears are open. Gates i1 and 24 are still closed. Fluid is still being administered or extracted from the chamber above the gate l'i so as to afiect the gob as desired.

In Figure 5 the gob is in the condition that occurs when the positive pressure is being applied on the glass above the orifice with the tube 52 or the plunger 52a. By means. of the fluid pressure applied or extracted throughpassageway 23 above the gate H, the proper diameter of the gob is still maintained. The shears are open and the gates l'l and 24 are still closed.

Between the condition illustrated in Figure 5 and that illustrated in Figure 6, the positive pressure in the tube 52 has been spent or the plunger has reached its lowermost position. The vacuum force whichbegins to be created at this time or the upward movement of the plunger which starts at this time causes the gob to neck, forming a thin neck which may be sheared easily without shear marks. Simultaneously, the shears l2,operate to sever the gob of glass as indicated in v Figure 6. The gob starts to drop and the gate I1 is opened to permit dropping of the gob. At this time the gate 24 is stillclosed.

I dropping thereof through the tube 1 is continuing. The gate 24 at this time is open to permit passage of the gob from the tube 1 into the mold.

Figure 8 illustrates the conditions indicated in Figure 2 but showing the previously severed gob almost out of the tube with the gate 24 closed.

' Figure 9 illustrates the same conditionsas Fig- .ure 3 and Figures 10 and 11 illustrate the same conditions as in Figures 4 and 5.

It' will be apparent from the above description that'il have provided apparatus for feeding glass having many desirable and novel characteristics I have vprovided a practical apparatus for feeding molten glass from a glass melting furnace to a mold in such a manner that the glass will not be affected in any way by atmospheric conditions. Furthermore, I-have provided apparatus for feeding molten glass in the form of charges of predetermined weight which vary in weight in any predetermined manner during one complete cycle of operation or which may all be of a uniform weight. The glass feeder which I have provided is simple, practical and efficient. The speed of operation of the various units and the character of the gobs or charges produced may be controlled and varied in an effective manner and within a very wide range.

Other advantages will be apparent from the preceding description, the drawings and the following claims.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. In combination, a glass feeder comprising a spout forthe molten glass having a discharge orifice, a mold disposed a considerable distance below the discharge orifice, means for preventing orifice, a mold disposed a considerable distance below the discharge orifice, means for preventing atmospheric conditions from affecting the glass discharged through said orifice during the time it drops from said orifice to said mold, said means comprising a conduit extending from a point adjacent the orifice to a point adjacent the mold, said conduit being normally closed from the atmosphere, a gate for opening and closing the passageway therein, and means for applying or extracting fluid pressure in the conduit above said gate so as to control the shape of the gobs issuing from said orifice. j

3.- In combination, a glass feeder comprising a spout for the molten glass having a discharge orifice, a mold disposed a considerable distance below the discharge orifice, means for preventing atmospheric.conditions from affecting the glass discharged through said orifice during the time it drops from the orifice to said mold, said means comprising a member normally closed to the atmosphere and extending from a point adjacent the orifice to a point adjacent the mold. a shear structure for shearing the glass issuing from said orifice, said shear structure being in the form of a compact unit which is located within said member, a gate for opening and closing the passageway in said member, and means for operating said gate and said shear structure in timed relationship to each other.

4. In com ination, a glass feeder. comprising a spout for t molten glass having a discharge orifice, a mold disposed a considerable distance below the discharge orifice, means for preventing atmospheric conditions from aifecting the glass discharged through said orifice during the time it drops from the orifice to said mold, said means comprising a member normally closed to the atmosphere and extending from a point adjacent the orifice to a point adjacent the mold, a shear structure for shearing the glass issuing from said orifice, said shear structure being in the form of a compact unit which is located within said memher, a gate for opening and closing the passageway in said member, means for applying or withdrawing fiuid pressure in said member above said gate, and means for operating said last-named means, said gate and said shear structure in timed relationship to each other.

5. A glass feeder comprising a spout having a discharge orifice, means for controlling the flow of glass through said orifice, said means comprising mechanism for causing charges of glass of predetermined weight to flow from said discharge orifice, s'aid mechanism being adjustable in such a manner that all the charges of glass during one complete cycle of operation will be of uniform predetermined weight or in such a manner that the charges will vary in weight in a predetermined manner.

6. A glass feeder comprising a spout having a discharge orifice, means for controlling the fiow of glass through said orifice, said means comprising mechanism for causing charges of glass of predetermined weight to fiow from said discharge orifice, said mechanism being adjustable in such a manner that all the charges of glass during one complete cycle of operation will be of uniform weight or in such a manner that the charges will vary in weight in a predetermined manner, and means for preventing the charges of glass from being affected by atmospheric conditions during passage of the charges from the orifice to the molds in which they are shaped.

7. A glass feeder comprising a spout having a discharge orifice, means for controlling the flow of glass through said orifice, means for con trolling said last-named means, said means comprising a cylinder and a piston, one of which is movable relative to the other, and means adapted to contact with a member carried by the movable element to limit movement thereof in one direction, said means comprising a plurality of members adapted to contact with said member carried by said movable element at successive intervals, said members permitting movement of said movable element to difierent extents at successive intervals.

8. A glass feeder comprising a spout having a discharge orifice, means for controlling the flow of glass through said orifice, said means comprising a cylinder and a piston, one of which is movable relative to the other, and means adapted to contact with a member carried by the movable element to limit movement thereof in one direction, said means comprising a plurality of mem-- bers adapted to contact with said members carried by said movable element at successive intervals, said members being adjustable relative to each other so asto permit movement of said movable element to diiferent extents at successive intervals or to the same extent at successive intervals.

9. A glass feeder comprising a spout having a discharge orifice, means for controlling the flow of glass through said orifice, means for controlling said last-named means, said means comprising a cylinder and a piston, said piston being movable relative to the cylinder, a rotatable member carrying a plurality of stop members which are adapted to contactwith a stop member carried by said piston at successive intervals, and means carried by said piston for rotating said stop carrying member step by step to bring the successive stops in position to contact with the stop member carried by said piston.

10. A glass feeder comprising a spout having a discharge orifice, means for controlling the flow of glass through said orifice, means for controllingsaid last-named means, said means comprising a cylinder and a piston, said piston being movable relative to the cylinder, a rotatable member carrying a plurality of stop members which are adapted to.contact with a stop member carried by said piston at successive intervals to limit movement of said piston in one direction, and means carried by said piston for rotating said stop carrying member step by step to bring the successive stops in position to contact with the stop member carried by said piston, said stops carried by said rotatable member being adjustable relative to each other to vary the extent of movement of said piston.

11. A glass feeder comprising a spout having a discharge orifice, means for controlling the flow of glass through said orifice, means for controlling said last-named means, said means comprising a cylinder and a piston, one of which is movable relative to the other, means adapted to contact with a member carried by the movable element to limit movement thereof in one direction, said means comprising a plurality of members adapted to contact with said member carried by said movable element at successive intervals, said members being adjustable relative to each other so as to permit movement of said movable elementto difierent extents at successive intervals or to the same extent at successive intervals, and means for adjusting said cylinder and said piston relative to each other.

12. A glass feeder comprising a spout having a discharge orifice, means for controlling the flow of glass through said orifice, said means comprising a vacuum tube substantially in ali ment with said orifice, a diaphragm for producing vacuum or positive air pressure in said tube, and means for flexing said diaphragm, said means comprising a member connected thereto for positively flexing said diaphragm.

13. A glass feeder comprising a spout having a discharge orifice, means for controlling the fiow of glass through said orifice, said means comprising a tube substantially in alignment with said orifice, a diaphragm for varying the fluid pressure in said tube, and means for flexing said diaphragm, said means comprising cylinder and piston mechanism and including a rod connected to said diaphragm.

14. A glass feeder comprising a spout having a discharge orifice, means for controlling the flow of glass through said orifice, said means comprising a tube substantially in alignment with said orifice, a diaphragm for varying the fiuid pressure in said tube, said diaphragm being disposed in a housing, means for flexing the diaphragm including cylinder and piston mechanism, said diaphragm housing having a seat against which the diaphragm always seats when fiexed in one direction, and means for limiting the extent to which the diaphragm is flexed in the opposite direction, said means being adjustable to permit the diaphragm to be flexed to the said extent or to various extents at successive intervals.

15. A glass feeder comprising a spout having a discharge orifice, means for controlling the fiow of glass through said orifice, said means comprising mechanism for causing the charges of glass of predetermined weight to flow from said discharge orifice, said mechanism being adjustable in such a manner that all the charges of glass during one complete cycle of operation will be 01 uniform weight or in such a manner that the charges will vary in weight in a predetermined manner, a shear structure for separating the charges of glass, means for preventing the charges of glass from being affected by atmospheric conditions during passage of the charges from the orifice to the molds in which they are shaped, said means including a conduit normally closed to the atmosphere and having a gate for opening and closing the passageway formed therein, and means for operating the flow-controlling means, the 'shear'structure and the gate in said conduits in timed relationship to each other.

16. A glass feeder comprising a spout having a discharge orifice, shear structure located below the orifice for separating the glass into charges, means for controlling the flow of glass through said orifice, said means comprising mechanism operating in timed relationship to said shears for causing charges of glass of a predetermined weight to flow from said discharges will vary in weight in a predetermined manner.

17. A glass feeder comprising a spout having a discharge orifice, a shear structure located below the orifice for separating the glass into charges, means for controlling the flow or glass through said orifice, said means comprising mechanism operating in timed relationship to said shears for causing charges of glass 01 a predetermined weight to flow from said discharge orifice, said mechanism being adjustable in such a manner that all the charges of glass during one-complete cycle of operation will be of uniform weight or in such a manner that the charges wfll vary in weight in a predetermined manner, means for preventing the charges of glass from being aflected by atmospheric conditions during passage of the charges from the orifice to the molds in which they are shaped, said means including a conduit normally closed to the atmosphere and having a gate for opening and closing thepassageway formed therein, means for applying fluid pressure or withdrawing fluid pressure in said conduit above said gate, and means for operating said last-named means and said gate in timed relationship to each other and in timed relationship to said shear structure and said glass-controlling means.

GEORGE T. MEYERS. 

